Official TV Licensing website - TV Licence types and costs / TV Licence types and costs TV Licence types and costs It costs £145.50 for a colour and £49.00 for a black and white TV Licence. In some cases, you may be entitled to a reduced fee TV Licence (see table below). You’re entitled to a 50% reduction in your TV Licence fee if you’re certified as blind (severely sight impaired). Cost of a TV Licence to cover multiple units Cost of a TV Licence to cover multiple units Some businesses can apply for a TV Licence to cover a number of accommodation or mobile units (for hotels, hostels, mobile units and campsites), or entertainment units (for hospitality areas). For more information, visit the pages below: The licence fee will be based on the number of units offered where a TV receiver is installed or used. To cover up to 15 units You only need to pay one fee of £145.50. To cover more than 15 units You pay one fee for the first 15 units and an additional fee of £145.50 for every extra 5 units or fewer.

If you still have questions take a look at TV Licensing FAQs where you can find all the answers in one place. BBC - BBC - Inside the BBC - The Licence Fee - Inside the BBC History The Licence Fee The licence fee allows the BBC's UK services to remain free of advertisements and independent of shareholder and political interest. Category: TV The licence fee is £145.50 – or just under 40p per day. That’s the same as it was in 2010. Find out about ways you can pay for a TV Licence and different types and costs on the TV Licensing website. You need to be covered by a TV Licence to: watch or record live TV programmes on any channel download or watch any BBC programmes on iPlayer – live, catch up or on demand. This applies to any provider you use and any device, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder. Visit the TV Licensing website to find out when you need a TV Licence . What does your licence fee pay for? The fee you pay provides a wide range of TV, radio and online content, as well as developing new ways to deliver it to you.

In addition to funding BBC programmes and services, a proportion of the licence fee contributes to the costs of rolling out broadband to the UK population and funding Welsh Language TV channel S4C and local TV channels. This was agreed with the government as part of the 2010 licence fee settlement. The licence fee allows the BBC's UK services to remain free of advertisements and independent of shareholder and political interest. TV licence: Do I need a TV licence? - MoneySavingExpert MoneySavingExpert.com » Utilities » Do I need a TV licence? Do I need a TV licence? 20+ TV licence fee tips Get Our Free Weekly Email! For all the latest deals, guides and loopholes - join the 10m who get it. Don't miss out Get It Email this page It used to be you only needed a TV licence if you had a telly. Yet the internet age means the rules have exploded with complications, and until recently, those who only watched catch-up TV could get away without paying the �145.50 annual fee for a colour TV. Now that's changed, and if you watch BBC iPlayer, you'll need a licence – but you won't for other catch-up sites. Confused? Don't be.

This full guide will take you through whether you should be paying or not. 24 TV licensing tips, including... 21 Renters need a licence, lodgers don't If you watch TV as it's being broadcast you need a TV licence – on any device If you watch or record shows as they're being shown on telly in the UK ('live TV'), you need to be covered by a TV licence. You now also need one if you use BBC iPlayer – see below . What many may not realise is that this is the case regardless of the device you're watching on – according to research published by TV Licensing, over 31% of students don't know watching live TV on a mobile requires a licence (though in most cases you don't need two if you already have one). So whether you're watching live TV on a television, computer, tablet, games console, smartphone or any other device, you'll need to pay the fee. However you do not need a TV licence if you only watch content after it's been shown on television – UNLESS it's on iPlayer . TV programmes downloaded or streamed after broadcast on other catch-up services are fine without one though. You can buy or renew your TV licence online on the TV Licensing website.

Quick questions: What counts as 'live TV'? When we talk about 'live TV', confusingly it isn't necessarily a live episode of a programme, it could be pre-recorded. 'Live TV' is content at the time it's being broadcast on a TV channel. This applies to all channels (including, say, +1 channels) on any main TV platform, including Freeview, Virgin or Sky. Internet-only services such as YouTube or Netflix don't count, though. Here are a few examples to show what this means: When watching an episode of The Big Bang Theory on your TV, on Channel 4, you DO need a TV licence. When watching an episode of The Big Bang Theory via the Channel 4 online streaming service (All 4) at the same time as it's being shown on Channel 4, you DO need a TV licence. When watching an episode of The Big Bang Theory online when it isn't being broadcast "live" on Channel 4, you DON'T need a TV licence. How many licences do I need? Your TV licence covers your household, no matter how many TVs you have, but the rules differ for shared student accommodation .

Additionally, if you pay for a licence at home, it'll cover you on a mobile device outside of your home too (subject to certain conditions – see below ). If you move house it's possible to simply update your contact details or get a refund for a complete unused quarter. See How to get a refund . Where does my money go? The cash funds public broadcasting by the BBC, allowing it to run without the interruption of adverts. It makes up about 75% of the BBC's income. The BBC contracts the collection and administration of the TV licence out to TV Licensing. According to the BBC, the money you pay is split between the following resources (figures do not total 100% due to rounding): Television (58%) Other services and production costs (7%) Online (6%) For a more detailed breakdown, see the BBC's latest Annual Report and Accounts 2015/2016 (p.4). Using BBC iPlayer now requires a licence, but you still don't need one for other catch-up sites New rules that came into force on 1 September 2016 mean you now need a licence to legally use BBC iPlayer, even if you're only watching catch-up TV.

(Until recently, you only needed one if you watched live TV via it.) This means whether you're streaming or downloading programmes on demand or watching live BBC channels, if it's on iPlayer you'll need to pay the fee � regardless of which device or network provider you're using. The rule doesn't apply to other TV channels' catch-up services, so ITV Hub , All 4 On Demand and My5 are still legal to use without a licence – so long as you're not using them to watch live TV. Martin's view... This is an interesting move on behalf of the BBC and the Government. Saying you only need a licence to watch BBC catch-up as opposed to that of other channels such as ITV is actually a revolutionary change. In the past, even though the BBC received the funds, the licence was always for watching 'any TV'. Now for the first time we have a specific BBC watching rule; this is potentially opening the door for a future subscription service. Quick question: How will this be enforced? TV Licensing told us it will continue to use the same methods as previously to enforce the new rule � including letters to unlicensed addresses outlining the change and visits from 'enquiry officers'.

Users of iPlayer will be shown a message informing them of the change, and will then have the option to confirm they own a licence, find out more information about the changes or buy a licence on the TV Licensing website. The same penalties will apply as currently for not owning a licence and being caught watching live television – potential prosecution and a fine of up to �1,000 . How to watch non-BBC catch-up and legally not pay If you never watch the BBC and only watch all your programmes using the catch-up services of other channels , it may be possible to legally ditch the TV licence and save yourself �145.50 per year. This is because: You only need a TV licence if you watch or record TV as it's being broadcast or use BBC iPlayer – if you only use other catch-up sites, you don't need one. You can watch almost anything on catch-up: soaps, documentaries, dramas, cartoons and films. And because services such as The ITV Hub only take a few hours to update, you could watch the latest installment of The X Factor not long after it's been on ITV 1. How can I cancel?

If you're absolutely sure you no longer need a licence, you can formally let TV licensing know. Although there's no legal obligation to do this, it says doing so will prevent an increasing number of letters coming your way. Cancel payment first. If you pay by direct debit you can cancel it by filling out TV Licensing's contact form . Tell it you no longer watch TV and confirm your current address. You'll also need to cancel your direct debit with your bank. If you pay with a TV Licensing payment card, you'll need to call 0300 555 0286. Then fill out the declaration. Everyone who no longer requires a TV licence – including those who pay in cash at certain stores or Post Offices, who don't need to do the above – can fill out a No Licence Needed declaration form . After this, keep your confirmation email from TV Licensing as proof. TV Licensing may visit. Once you've cancelled, you might find you get a visit from TV Licensing to check whether you actually do need a TV licence – it says these inspections find one in five households do.

If you do need a licence, you'll need to pay the full licence fee, and you could risk prosecution plus a fine of up to �1,000 (or �500 if you live in Jersey, or �2,000 in Guernsey). Is this legal? Yes, you don't need a licence so long as you are not watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer and are only watching on-demand or catch-up on other services. However, TV Licensing says its figures show less than 2% of people only watch catch-up TV – so don't cancel your licence unless you are absolutely sure you don't need it. Quick questions: What if I watch live TV online? The rule is if you are watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer you'll need a licence. It makes no difference whether you're watching on a mobile, tablet, laptop or good old fashioned set in the corner of your living room. How will they know if I watch live TV or BBC iPlayer online or not? It's a very good question, and indeed there are some who believe the BBC is trapped in a corner by this.

If it were to start charging people who watch the odd bit of iPlayer online, it would be like the record companies who prosecute 14-year-olds for a few illegally downloaded tracks. If I have a smart TV and only watch on catch-up do I need a licence? Yes if you're watching BBC iPlayer, but technically no if you only use other catch-up services. But proving it will be nightmarish, especially if your TV is connected to an aerial or satellite dish and is capable of receiving a signal. So you may find yourself in a tricky situation. Do I have to let TV Licensing into my home? Enquiry officers do not have any legal powers to come into your home unless they have a search warrant from a magistrate, or sheriff if you are in Scotland. They have an implied right under common law to come to your front door and let you know they are there. If you refuse them entry they will have to leave, but TV Licensing may then use other methods such as a warrant from court, or detection equipment, which can find if there is TV receiving equipment at a home. Here's some inspiration from our forum: I used the online form to cancel my licence (the refund arrived back in my bank promptly).

I've never had a problem with harassment, just a quick letter when I purchased a new TV and another 2 years later which is what they say will happen. - CW18 And one more from Twitter: Thanks for the heads up about the TV licence. Just cancelled and got �172 refund too! - @SarcasticTubes You need a licence to record live TV You'll still need a TV licence if you record 'live TV' content at the time of broadcast, using a digital recorder like Sky+ or TiVo (or a good old-fashioned VHS recorder). This is because you're recording them as they are being shown on a TV channel. It doesn't matter when you watch them, or how they were recorded � you still need a licence. Get Martin's Free Money Tips Email For the latest on TV licences, join the 10m who get the weekly email. FAQs | Unsubscribe | Past Emails | Privacy You don't need a licence for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and more If catch-up TV isn't enough, and you want movies too, sign up for a subscription to an online film service like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, or watch for free on YouTube.

You don't need a licence for these as they don't appear on a TV channel at the same time as you're watching, nor are they the BBC's iPlayer . There are lots of packages and options available, with 1,000s of titles to stream. See our Watch Movies Online guide for full info. If you don't pay you could face a �1,000 fine Watching 'live TV' without a licence is against the law. TV Licensing has enforcement officers that carry out checks. Fee dodgers can face prosecution plus a fine of up to �1,000 (�2,000 if you live in Guernsey) if they're found to be watching 'live TV' without a licence. You cannot be imprisoned for TV licence evasion in itself, although you can be imprisoned for non-payment of a fine imposed by the court. You can't stream BBC iPlayer abroad To the annoyance of many holidaymakers, it's still against BBC iPlayer's terms of use to access its content from outside the UK – despite the fact that some thought the new requirement for a TV licence might change that.

You can download programmes while you're in the UK to watch abroad at a later date (as long as it's within 30 days of airing ), but you'll have to wait until you're back in the country to watch anything more. We asked the BBC if it had any plans to change this in future, and it told us: We are interested in being able to allow UK licence-fee payers to access BBC iPlayer while they are on holiday in the EU. The BBC is still looking at the technical and legal implications of doing this and it will be dependent on what legislation comes into effect in the future. This might point towards the adoption of an online login or verification system, and would reflect the Government's proposals (p.95) for the BBC's next charter. Only time will tell... If you have a TV, but don't watch it, you don't need a licence Many wrongly believe you need to be covered by a TV licence if you have the ability to watch 'live TV', even if you don't watch it. You only need a licence if you actually watch 'live TV' or use BBC iPlayer .

So, if you've got an aerial on your roof/satellite dish/TV with built-in Freeview etc, but you don't actually watch 'live TV', you don't need a licence. Colour costs more The Government sets the price of the licence. Currently, a colour TV licence will set you back �145.50 for the year. But... It costs �49/year, �96.50 LESS, if you only watch telly in black & white. The fees have been frozen since 2010, however under the incoming changes announced recently , the cost of a TV licence will increase in line with inflation (which currently stands at 0.5%). Trick for students to watch live telly and use iPlayer without a licence In some circumstances you won't need to get your own licence, even if you've moved into your own digs. It's a bizarre rule, but the TV Licensing website says: Students... won't be covered by their parents' licence, unless they only ever use devices that are powered solely by their own internal batteries, and aren't plugged into an aerial or the mains.

This means students whose parents have a TV licence are fine to use BBC iPlayer and/or watch live television on a tablet, smartphone or laptop that's not charging at the time, without having to pay for their own licence (as long as that's your usual place of residence outside term time). However, if you're watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer on a desktop computer, games console or television/digital box, you will need a licence. Depending on your accommodation... Halls of residence. If you're in halls of residence you'll probably be covered for communal areas but not your own room. Check with your university. Private accommodation. If you're living out of halls in a shared house and have signed a joint tenancy agreement, you'll need only one licence for the household. However, if you have separate agreements you'll need one for your room. Remember, if you're only watching non-BBC catch-up , you don't need a licence regardless of where you live. If you do pay for a licence, as a student you can also get a refund for the summer .

Check if you're due a refund It may be possible to get a refund on your TV licence, if one of the following applies: If you're moving in with someone who already has a TV licence or moving somewhere where you won't watch 'live TV' or use BBC iPlayer. If the TV licence holder has died, a refund may be due to the estate. If you have a licence, but will not watch or record programmes as they're being shown on TV or use BBC iPlayer before your licence expires. If you've changed the type of licence to a cheaper one you may be due a partial refund. You can apply online for a refund up to two years after the expiry date of your licence. You may have to print the refund form and supply evidence. There's full information on the TV Licensing website, with details on how to cancel and the online refund form. Some are eligible for a cheaper licence Depending on your circumstances, it may be possible to get a discount on your TV licence. Take a look at the info below to see if any of these apply to you. If they do, get in touch with TV Licensing to see if you're eligible for a refund. Quick questions: Aged 75 and over? Is it free?

Yes. Over-75s get a free TV licence. If you're over 74 and your licence will run out before you turn 75, you're entitled to a short-term licence covering you until you reach 75. If you've got a short-term licence, you should receive the free one automatically as soon as you reach 75. If not, get in touch with TV Licensing. Full info's available on the TV Licensing website. Blind or severely sight-impaired? What's the cost? If you or someone you live with is blind or severely sight-impaired, you'll get 50% off the cost of a TV licence. So it's �72.75 for a colour set or �24.50 for a black and white one. You must provide TV Licensing with a photocopy of one of these documents to confirm you're certified as either blind or severely sight-impaired: A copy of the certificate or document issued by or on behalf of your local authority. A copy of the certificate from your ophthalmologist. If you're only partially sighted or sight-impaired, you won't qualify for the concession.

Details on how to apply for the discount are available on the TV Licensing website. Living in a residential care home or sheltered accommodation? What's the cost? If you live in a residential care home or sheltered accommodation and watch TV in your own room or flat, then you need a licence. You may be able to apply for an Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) Concessionary TV Licence though, if you qualify. This costs �7.50 per room, flat or bungalow. Both you and your accommodation must qualify. Check the TV Licensing website to see if you are eligible, and speak to your care home manager to apply, as they are responsible for arranging this type of licence. If your home doesn't qualify, you'll have to pay the full �145.50 licence fee. Got a question that we haven't answered? Feed back and tell us what you want to know in the TV Licence discussion. Don't pay by quarterly direct debit You can pay by credit card, debit card, bank transfer, online and by TV Licensing's own savings scheme. However, some payment methods charge more than others.

Here are some handy tips: DON'T pay by quarterly direct debit Pay by quarterly direct debit and you'll pay a premium of �1.25 per quarter (�5/year) more than paying by monthly direct debit, using its saving scheme or just paying in one lump sum. Pay on a cashback credit card You don't get charged extra for paying by credit card, so if you've got a cashback credit card, use it (providing you pay off in full at the end of the month) to pay over the phone or online, and get a slice of cash back. Currently you can't pay for your licence with Amex, usually the top cashback card. But for the best non-Amex alternatives, read the Best Cashback Cards guide. Pay by cash payment scheme You can make small weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments at Paypoint outlets (usually local newsagents and shops). You can also pay over the phone. The advantage of this is you don't have to pay in one lump sum or by direct debit. But you will end up paying for the first year's licence in six months.

Once that's done (meaning you're six months ahead), you will then have 12 months to pay for your next licence New annual licences DON'T usually last a full year – so time it right You'd think a new annual licence would last a year, yet for many they won't. That's because when you get a new licence it expires the following year at the end of the month prior to the one you purchased it in, NOT exactly a year after you bought it. So if you bought a licence on 15 May 2016, it would run for the remainder of that month and for the following 11 months, until the end of April 2017. The only way you can be sure to get the full 12 months is to buy at the start of the month, so make sure you do this (or as near as you can to then so you're not without a licence when you need one) to get the maximum value. TV Licensing says setting end-of-month expiry dates keeps its costs down and means more can be invested in BBC programmes and services, though it seems a bit cheeky to us.

Of course, if you're renewing, you'll be renewing at the start of the month anyway so it shouldn't be a problem. Get Our Free Money Tips Email! For all the latest deals, guides and loopholes - join the 10m who get it. Don't miss out FAQs | Unsubscribe | Past Emails | Privacy If you don't pay, TV Licensing can check TV Licensing officers catch about 900 people every day who have tried to avoid paying for a licence. Its database of more than 31 million addresses is the main tool for catching evaders. If TV Licensing believes you're watching 'live TV' or using BBC iPlayer without a licence, enquiry officers may visit. They can't enter your home without permission, but can apply for a search warrant to do so. They may also use detection equipment such as vans and hi-tech handheld detectors. However, TV Licensing won't go into exactly how its detection methods work. "We would not want to reveal information useful to potential evaders", it says.

Your licence covers you outside your home for a mobile device Your licence doesn't just cover you watching TV at home, but also watching or recording shows as they're being broadcast on TV or using BBC iPlayer , on any of these devices: Computers, including laptops and tablets Mobile phones Digital boxes, including Freeview, Sky, Virgin and BT Vision DVD / VHS / Blu-ray recorders As long as the address where you live is licensed, you're also covered to watch TV outside your home using any device powered solely by its own internal batteries and not connected to an aerial or plugged into the mains. This includes your mobile phone, laptop and tablet. This rule would also apply to students living away from home – they'll be covered by their parents' licence as long as that's their usual place of residence outside term time (and their device isn't plugged into an aerial or the mains at the time). If you have a second home, your licence registered at one property won't apply to the other though – you'll need to pay for two. See You may need a separate licence below for more info. Even if you pay Sky or Virgin, you still need to cough up Sorry, but it's the law.

Under the Communications Act 2003, and the Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004, you need a TV licence, no matter how you receive the programmes. So even though you're paying to receive TV with Sky, Virgin Media, TalkTalk or BT, you'll still need to cough up for a TV licence as well. You need a licence for pay-per-view content too If you're paying to watch a programme and are watching it at the same time as everyone else who's paying to watch it, then you will need a licence – regardless of the fact that you've already paid to watch it. For example, if you buy the movie The Hobbit on Sky Movies Store to watch it being broadcast at a specific time, you will need a licence. Get Our Free Money Tips Email! For all the latest deals, guides and loopholes - join the 10m who get it.

Don't miss out FAQs | Unsubscribe | Past Emails | Privacy Students with a licence can get a refund for the summer If you're a student and bought your TV licence at the start of the academic year (late September/early October) and it therefore has three months remaining on it by the time you leave for summer, you may be eligible for a refund of �36.37. It's available to any student who has already paid for the final quarter of their year's licence (whether annually or monthly in advance ), and is moving to a licensed address over the break. If you pay via a quarterly payment scheme, you can cancel by or before the ninth month to avoid paying for the final quarter. If you're moving straight into new digs that aren't licensed (rather than going back to your folks' place, for instance) you won't be able to claim a refund. But you can take your existing TV licence with you by changing your address . Diarise to cancel to at least three months before your licence expires to make sure you're eligible. Details on how to get the refund, and other info for students, are available on the TV Licensing website.

Using other BBC websites doesn't require a licence You need a TV licence if you watch or record 'live TV' or use BBC iPlayer . If you don't do any of these, you don't need a licence. So you don't need a licence to read anything on the BBC website, or if you watch clips on the BBC Sport app or website (though if it's a live stream, you will need one). But if you watch content on the BBC iPlayer website, you will need a licence. Since 1 September this includes catch-up services on the site, as well as live TV. Renters need a licence, lodgers don't If you rent a property – either a whole property or a room in a shared home – you must be covered by a valid TV licence to watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV, or use BBC iPlayer. Usually you'll have to organise this yourself (or between yourselves if in a shared house). But speak to the landlord first, as they may already have a licence for the property. If you live in self-contained accommodation such as a separate flat or annexe, then you need your own TV licence.

If you're a lodger and/or have a relationship with the homeowner (a family member, partner, a nanny, an au pair, housekeeper, etc), you'll be covered by the homeowner's TV licence, provided you live in the same building. For more info if you're renting, see the TV Licensing website. You may need a separate licence if you have a second home You need to be covered by a separate TV licence if you watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV, or use BBC iPlayer , in a second home. The only exception is if your second home is a static caravan, but only if the TV won't be used at the same time as ones in your main home. In this case you won't need a second TV licence but you'll need to sign a declaration stating this. If your second home is a touring caravan or vehicle, you won't need a separate licence. There's full info on the TV Licensing website. Listening to the radio doesn't require a licence If you had a radio, but not a television, until 1971 you had to pay for a radio licence. These days, you don't need a licence to listen to the radio (including BBC stations).

This applies however you listen, even if you listen using television equipment. Watching foreign TV in the UK does require a licence If you watch 'live TV' from a channel that isn't broadcast in the UK (including those picked up via satellite or online), you need to be covered by a valid TV licence. This is regardless of the country of origin or the language of the broadcast. Resolver - the automated complaints system How this site works We think it's important you understand the strengths and limitations of the site. We're a journalistic website and aim to provide the best MoneySaving guides, tips, tools and techniques, but can't guarantee to be perfect, so do note you use the information at your own risk and we can't accept liability if things go wrong. This info does not constitute financial advice, always do your own research on top to ensure it's right for your specific circumstances and remember we focus on rates not service. Do note, while we always aim to give you accurate product info at the point of publication, unfortunately price and terms of products and deals can always be changed by the provider afterwards, so double check first.

We don't as a general policy investigate the solvency of companies mentioned (how likely they are to go bust), but there is a risk any company can struggle and it's rarely made public until it's too late (see the section 75 guide for protection tips). We often link to other websites, but we can't be responsible for their content. Always remember anyone can post on the MSE forums, so it can be very different from our opinion. MoneySavingExpert.com is part of the MoneySupermarket Group, but is entirely editorially independent. Its stance of putting consumers first is protected and enshrined in the legally-binding MSE Editorial Code . Ofcom | Ask us - Television - How much does a TV licence cost? How much does a TV licence cost? A colour TV Licence costs £145.50. A black and white TV Licence costs £49.00. Please note, Ofcom is not responsible for the TV Licence fee. For more information visit the TV Licensing website . Related Questions 5 Ofcom uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our site. If you continue without changing your browser settings, we'll assume that you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Find out more by reading our cookies policy . TV Licence: How to pay and claim discounts | This is Money TV Licence: How to pay and claim discounts comments If you have a TV then you'll need a licence to watch it - if you don't pay then you could get caught out for a fine of up to £1,000. Although, the licence is compulsory for everyone watches programmes at the same time as they are on TV, some people will be entitled to a discount. We explain the system, the discounts and explore the alternatives. On it like a car bonnet: Make sure you've paid your TV Licence or you could get slapped with a hefty fine. Switching on You need a licence for watching or recording any television at the same time as it is shown on TV, regardless of what device you are using such as a TV, digital box, video recorder, PC, laptop or mobile phone. The current cost of an annual colour TV licence is £142.50 or £48 for a black and white one. The cost of a TV licence rises to £145.50 for a colour and £49 for black and white from the 1 April 2010.

One licence will cover your whole house, no matter how may TV's or freeview sets you have. Although the rules are different in shared accommodation, such as student houses where there are multiple tenancy agreements at one property. However,if the only TV is in a communal area then you will only need one TV licence for the house. How to pay You can pay for you licence by credit card, debit card, BACs, online or by phone or at any of the almost 22,000 Paypoint outlets in the UK. If you pay quarterly by direct debit you will incur a £1.25 premium each time you pay. This works out to be £5 extra a year - this premium does not apply if you pay by monthly direct debit. Although, if you're having problems paying for your TV licence then you can take advantage of the TV Licensing Payment Card or Savings Card. This allows you to upload cash to a card at various newsagents and other participating shops and you can pay off the amount in small doses as well as saving toward next year's TV Licence. This means that you don't have to pay in one lump sum or by direct debit - but you do pay for a full licence within 6 months.

Are you entitled to a discount If you are a student living away from home you may be entitled to a three month refund. You can get a discount if you are a student because you may only use your licence/TV during term times. If at the academic year you still have three full months on your licence and you won't be using it then you can get a refund for the remainder. Visit the TV Licensing website for more information for how to claim this. If someone in your household is visually impaired then you can get 50% off the cost of your licence. So that it will cost £71.25 (rising to £72.75 April 1)for a colour TV or £24 (rising to £24.50 April 1) for a black and white set. You will need to provide a certificate from your ophthalmologist confirming you're blind or visually impaired when you purchase your TV licence. If you're over 75 then you can get a TV licence for free. Visit the website to apply.

If you're 74 and your licence will run out before you're 75 then you can get a short term licence before you automatically receive your free licence once you turn 75. If you're in a residential home then you may qualify for an Accomodation or Residential Care (ARC) Concessionary Licence. If you're over 60 or disabled then you can join the scheme and pay £7.50 per year. If you move in and already have a licence then you can get a refund on any remaining unused quarters too. How to pay for your TV licence How we work How to pay for your TV licence ITâS a legal requirement to have a television licence, yet well over a million people donât, and â according to TV Licensing â many are prepared to give some fantastic excuses as to why they are without one. How to pay for your TV licence Around 26.8 million households in the UK have at least one television, and of these, around 5%, equivalent to about 1.34 million households, donât have a licence to watch them.

According to new TV Licensing figures, more than 400,000 people were caught watching TV without a licence last year, risking prosecution and a fine of up to Â£1,000. Top excuses for not having a TV licence Perhaps the most bizarre excuse given to TV Licensing for not paying up was: âApparently my dog, which is a Corgi, was related to the Queenâs dog, so I didnât think I needed a TV licence.â Another complained that, because they had âstolenâ the television rather than paid for it, they shouldnât be liable to pay, while another respondent griped that their three year-old son should have been responsible for the cost because, âheâs the only one who watches itâ. Perhaps the most baffling excuse for not paying up is that the person had ârecently received a lethal injectionâ, while another said that they had lost weight, had to buy new clothes, and could not afford the cost of the licence.

âI could not pay as I only have two pairs of pants and they were both in the wash,â said another and, âThe Olympic torch was coming down my road and I could not get to the shop as the road was too busy,â said one more. Perhaps one of the most enterprising excuses came from someone in Dundee, Scotland, who claimed they only use their TV as a lamp. He said; âIf you switch it on it gives a good glow which allows me to read my book.â Others employed emotional blackmail, with one threatening that the only way they could afford to pay for their TV Licence is if they sell their hamster, followed by, âIs that what you want me to do?â How to pay for your licence Most of us however, prefer to save the excuses, do the right thing and just cough up. So how much will it cost? A colour TV licence will set you back Â£145.50 while a black-and-white licence costs Â£49.

If you want to pay for your licence all in one go, then the easiest way to do this is by annual Direct Debit, which means your TV licence is automatically renewed for you every year. You can set this up on the TV Licensing website at , and youâll need your bank or building society details, as well as your current TV Licence number if youâre renewing. Alternatively, you can spread the cost by paying in monthly instalments by Direct Debit. Youâll pay for your first licence within six months, in instalments of around Â£24 a month, and from then on youâll pay for your licences in 12 monthly instalments of just over Â£12 months, six before your licence is due and six after. A third option is to pay by Direct Debit quarterly, which means instalments of around Â£37 every three months, although this incurs a small premium of Â£1.25 per quarter which is factored into youâre your monthly payment. If you donât want to set up a Direct Debit, you may want to consider paying using a TV Licensing Payment Card.

You can use this card to spread the cost of your colour TV Licence by making weekly or monthly payments, with weekly payments costing Â£5.60 per week. You can apply for a payment card by calling 0300 555 0286. Once you apply youâll be sent the card and a payment plan showing when and how much you need to pay. You can pay online, at a PayPoint outlet, by phone or by text message. Finally, if you donât want to set up a payment plan or Direct Debit, you can use either a debit card or credit card to pay for your licence online, or over the phone (call 0300 790 6131) using a debit or credit card, or by debit card only at local PayPoint outlets. What about online? If you tend to use your computer to watch âcatch upâ TV you do not need to pay the Â£145.50 a year for a television licence. However, be warned that if you watch any TV live, even if it is on your computer, you will need a licence.

Please note: Any rates or deals mentioned in this article were available at the time of writing. Cookie Policy Contact moneysupermarket.com at Moneysupermarket House, St David's Park, Ewloe, Flintshire, CH5 3UZ. © Moneysupermarket.com Ltd 2013 Moneysupermarket.com Limited is an appointed representative of Moneysupermarket.com Financial Group Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA FRN 303190). Moneysupermarket.com Financial Group Limited, registered in England No. 3157344. Registered Office: Moneysupermarket House, St. David's Park, Ewloe, CH5 3UZ. Telephone 01244 665700 Cookie Use MoneySupermarket uses cookies, small text files which are downloaded to your computer's hard drive when you visit most websites. Cookies are harmless files which can help improve the experience. Cookies allow websites to respond to you as an individual. The website can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.

By accepting cookies, MoneySupermarket is able to provide you with a better service and customise your experience with us. Help with cost of TV licences | Sense Help with cost of TV licences Help with cost of TV licences Tweet You need a TV Licence to use any television-receiving equipment to watch or record TV programmes as they are being shown on TV, including programmes on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, cable and satellite television, and to watch any programme on the BBC iPlayer, including live, catch up and on demand programmes. Television-receiving equipment includes TV sets, set-top boxes, DVD recorders, video recorders, computers and laptops, mobile phones or other battery-operated devices and games consoles. You don't need a television licence if a TV set cannot receive TV programmes and is used only for CCTV, watching pre-recorded videos or DVDs, as a computer monitor or to play computer games. Whilst you now need a TV licence to watch any programme on the BBC iPlayer, you don't need a TV licence if you only ever watch catch-up services through other streaming services such as ITV Hub or All 4, Amazon Prime or Netflix. How much does a TV Licence cost?

The annual rates for a TV Licence are: Black and white television: £49 Colour TV and/or video recorder: £145.50 Are there any exemptions or concessionary rates? You may be entitled to a reduced rate if you are: (a) Over 75 years old You’re entitled to a free over-75 TV Licence when you turn 75. If you‘re 74, you can apply for a short-term licence to cover you up to your 75th birthday (b) Blind or severely visually impaired You’re entitled to a 50 per cent reduction in your TV Licence fee, if you’re certified as either blind or severely sight impaired. (c) Living in a care home or sheltered accommodation Residents may qualify for a discounted TV Licence fee of £7.50. Residents, staff and residents’ families all need a separate licence for their own living area. How do I apply for exemptions or concessionary rates? Aged 75 and over You can apply online for a free 75 or over TV Licence by filling in the form online at or by calling 0300 790 6130.

You can also write to request details and a paper copy application form from: Concessionary Licensing Centre Bristol BS98 1TL To apply, you will need your National Insurance number or a recognised proof of age document such as a passport, UK birth certificate, UK driving licence or national identity card and address details. You will also need to provide details about your current TV licence or renewal notice. Certified blind or severely visually impaired: If you are certified as blind or severely visually impaired, you need to provide the TV Licensing Authority with a photocopy of one of the following documents, to confirm that you’re certified as either blind or severely sight impaired: A copy of the certificate or document issued by or on behalf of your local authority. In Northern Ireland this would be the Health and Social Service Trust. In the Isle of Man it would be the Department of Health and Social Security. A copy of the certificate from your ophthalmologist You won’t need to provide this information again when you renew your TV Licence. You should fill out an application form online or by calling 0300 790 6117. You can also write to the below address to request a hard copy form.

Send your completed form, cheque payment (£72.75 for colour and £24.50 for a black and white) and a photocopy of your local authority document or ophthalmologist’s certificate to: Blind Concession Group Official TV Licensing website - Ways to pay for your TV Licence / Ways to pay for your TV Licence Ways to pay for your TV Licence A standard colour TV Licence costs £145.50*. This covers you to watch or record live TV programmes on any channel, and to download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer. This applies to any device or provider you use. We understand everyone budgets differently, so we offer a number of methods to help you pay quickly and easily, in a way that suits you. Choose how you'd like to pay: Weekly Monthly Quarterly Yearly Yearly Would you like to pay all in one go? Then you’ll find the easiest way is by annual Direct Debit because your TV Licence is automatically renewed for you every year. Or, if you prefer to use a card to pay each year, we accept most major debit and credit cards . Quarterly Would you prefer to spread the cost of your licence across four payments throughout the year?

Then quarterly Direct Debit may suit you and your licence will be automatically renewed every year. Because you’re paying for your licence as you use it, each quarterly payment includes a £1.25 premium. Your first payment is due now. Please pay this by debit/credit card. If you are unable to do this we will adjust your Direct Debit payments. Monthly Monthly Direct Debit is our most popular option, giving you the control of smaller monthly instalments with the convenience of automatic payment and renewal. You’ll usually pay for your first year’s TV Licence within the first six months, at around £24 a month. You’ll then pay for your next licence in twelve monthly instalments of just over £12. Your first payment is due now. Please pay this by debit/credit card. If you are unable to do this we will adjust your Direct Debit payments.

Question: What does a colour TV licence cost?
Answer: £145.50